Each year that I come to NCE I attend the Effie H. Jones luncheon, where leaders who are doing great things in the name of equity are recognized. This year was no different– I attended with great anticipation.
Dr. Effie H Jones was a teacher, counselor, administrator who tirelessly supported women and minorities to fulfill their potential. [...]

Day one and already I am overwhelmed with the expertise coming my way. Last night, I had the wonderful opportunity to have dinner with Alan Blankstein (Failure is Not an Option) and about 40 other superintendents and guests at the Stockyard Inn. What an incredible opportunity! To have a thoughtful discussion with Alan and my [...]

As the VT rep to the AASA Governing Board, I attended the two day meetings this week just prior to #NCE2014. Our work was focused on choosing the three candidates out of four that are interested in running for president elect (great choice, all!), revisiting the legislative agenda for our policy advocates to follow and [...]

In a week, I will be in Nashville, halfway through a meeting of the Governing Board, seeing old friends from across the country, and planning my week of sessions and events. This is my 9th or so NCE and each one just gets better and better! From the marketplace (I buy so many books- glad [...]

As the conference came to an end this week, my head was full and my iPad was humming. This opportunity to spend three days with colleagues from all over the country, talking education policy and hearing different ideas, all the while knowing we are facing similar challenges (testing, funding, sequestration, union challenges) gives me strength [...]

This comment by Linda Darling Hammond yesterday resonated with me in so many ways. We have inherited schools designed for the industrial age, that lets everyone in and keeps no one out, and where we teach rote learning to the masses. What we need to reinvent are schools that are safe and encourage engagement and [...]

Yesterday was a blur in the best sense of the word. The highlight for me was listening to Jim Collins. So much of what he said resonates. I want to be a Level 5 Executive! I love to have them all on the bus with me! His words resonate and in education, we need to [...]

As I eagerly start my day at NCE13, I walk into the throng of professional school administrators, listening to the snippets of conversation about schools that sound like anywhere, USA. It is a thrill to be among the educational leaders of the nation, those most interested in learning what is on the cutting edge for [...]

Today the AASA Governing Board concluded two days of work on education policy. Actions taken today include approving a legislative agenda that includes AASA positions on school safety, IDEA, a Vision for Public Education and updates to our Beliefs and Position Statements. Discussion got pretty lively when the reps were asked whether we should be [...]